The demonstrations of recent weeks may push him to mistakes that test his grip on power.
Category Archives: Viva!
‘She went back with me’: Ilhan Omar posts photos with Pelosi in Ghana

Congresswoman mocks ‘send her back’ comments with Instagram post of trip to Ghana with House speaker
The congresswoman Ilhan Omar took a swipe at Donald Trump on Thursday, posting a photo on Instagram of herself and Nancy Pelosi in Ghana with the caption: “They said ‘send her back’ but Speaker Pelosi didn’t just make arrangement to send me back, she went back with me.”
The photo came from a congressional trip to the African country this week, in observance of the American slave trade’s 400th anniversary. The two women were joined by the civil rights icon and Georgia congressman John Lewis and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Pentagon reviewing ‘war cloud’ contract after Trump claims Amazon favoritism
Thug, Traitor Trump trying to be King and screwing up everything just because GOP will not say no to BabyBoy Donny!

Trump has criticized bid process for the cloud-computing contract as potentially biased toward Amazon
The US department of defense says the defense secretary, Mark Esper, is reviewing the bid process for the military’s $10bn cloud-computing contract.
Donald Trump has criticized the process, citing complaints from other companies, as potentially biased toward Amazon. The e-commerce giant and Microsoft have been competing for the contract, known as the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure plan, or Jedi.
Charming but dishonest and duplicitous: Europe’s verdict on Boris Johnson

As the Brexit deadline looms, Europe remains wary of the poker player behind the clown mask
He is clever, cultivated, charming; witty, self-deprecating, wildly entertaining and oh so terribly British. Also dissembling, dishonest, dark, duplicitous, and a danger to his country and to Europe – a poker player whose bluff is about to be called.
As Boris Johnson settles into his new role, vowing, do or die, to take the UK out of the EU without a deal in 90 days unless the 27 nations ditch an accord that took two years to negotiate, European politicians and commentators are both fascinated and appalled.
Johnson ally Lynton Crosby could be called to give evidence to MPs

Disinformation committee wants CTF Partners chief to detail its propaganda activities
Sir Lynton Crosby could be called to give evidence to a House of Commons select committee on disinformation after the Guardian revealed how his lobbying company, CTF Partners, was involved in running a propaganda network on Facebook on behalf of foreign states and major corporate clients.
MPs told the Guardian they would seek to summon representatives of CTF to discuss their role in running a disinformation network that reached tens of millions of people. It comes as trade groups seek to distance themselves from CTF and its activities.
Labour’s best tactic to beat Boris Johnson? A popular front | Paul Mason

Corbyn’s uncertainty over Brexit is costing the party dear – a progressive pact with Greens and Lib Dems is its only option
Britain’s current political dynamics have been made crystal clear by the Brecon and Radnorshire byelection result. The Liberal Democrats won because Plaid Cymru and the Greens stood down, in an explicit electoral pact. The Tories could have inched it had the Brexit party also stood down. Labour, which never had a chance in this rural constituency, saw its vote share slump from 17% two years ago to just over 5%.
With a majority of just one, it is now inevitable that Britain faces a snap general election – either because Boris Johnson’s government is defeated in the Commons or because, having achieved some shabby Brexit deal, he will seize the moment to look for an electoral mandate.
DRC: Media Reports 4th Ebola Case In Goma & Updated UK Travel Advisory
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| Credit UK FCO |
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Twenty-four hours ago many major media outlets were breathlessly reporting that Rwanda had closed their western border with the DRC – going against WHO Guidelines and advice – a claim that has since been revised to `increased health checks’ having caused a temporary slowdown in border crossings.
Whatever the real truth of the matter (which I certainly have no way of knowing), the reality is that initial reports from chaotic scenes like those in Ebola zone of the DRC can sometimes be misleading.
The instant news cycle, and the echo chamber of social media, can further contribute to the confusion. For these reasons, I try to avoid `breaking news’ reports in this blog – simply because the odds of getting it wrong are so high.
Besides, there are hundreds of other news outlets out there. Unless I can add value to the story, I hardly feel the need to join in.
That said, this morning there are media reports of a 4th Ebola case in Goma (see Reuters report Fourth Ebola case found in Congo city, raising fears of faster spread), reportedly the wife of the man who died earlier this week.
I haven’t found any official confirmation yet, but so far the report appears legitimate.
While I can’t add any value to that report, this morning the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued updated travel warnings and advice for both the DRC and its neighbor, Rwanda.
Many of the safety concerns with visiting the DRC revolve around terrorism, street crime, and a general lack of security and infrastructure. But the Ebola outbreak features prominently as well.
By comparison, neighboring Rwanda is described as `. . . generally safe and crime levels are relatively low, but street crime does occur.‘
If nothing else, the following FCO update illustrates in stark terms just how difficult the task of containing Ebola in the DRC really is.
- Updated: 2 August 2019
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
- the provinces of Kasaï, Kasaï Central, Kasaï Oriental, Haut-Uele, Haut Lomami, Ituri, North Kivu (except the city of Goma – see below), South Kivu (except the city of Bukavu – see below), Maniema and Tanganyika in eastern DRC
- areas to the west and east of Kananga, including Tshikapa and Mwene-Ditu (as shown on the map)
- within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic and South Sudan.
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:
- the city of Goma in North Kivu province
- the city of Bukavu in South Kivu province
- the districts of N’djili and Kimbanseke in Kinshasa, both of which are south of the main access road to N’djili airport (located in Nsele district).
Public gatherings and demonstrations can be called with little or no notice and can quickly turn violent in DRC. In all instances, you should remain vigilant and be aware of disruptions to journeys around Kinshasa, as well as to and from N’Djili airport. If a demonstration or disturbance takes place, leave quickly and don’t attempt to watch or photograph it.
The security situation in eastern DRC remains unstable. The continued presence of armed groups, military operations against them, intercommunal violence and an influx of refugees from neighbouring countries all contribute to a deterioration in the political, security and humanitarian situation. There are continued reports of attacks and kidnappings, including against staff from NGOs. There have been a number of reported attacks on Ebola responders working in affected areas. See Safety and security
Consular support is severely limited in parts of DRC. The lack of infrastructure throughout the country and continued insecurity in eastern DRC often prevent the British Embassy in Kinshasa from being able to extend normal levels of consular assistance to British nationals anywhere in the DRC other than Kinshasa. There are limits to the assistance the FCO can provide in a crisis, depending on the security and transport situation. You should not assume that the FCO will be able to provide assistance to leave the country in the event of serious unrest.
On 17 July 2019, the World Health Organisation declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following an outbreak of the Ebola virus in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Cases have been confirmed in Goma since 14 July 2019. New cases continue to be reported across the affected areas. If you are in these areas you should take precautions to minimise your risk of exposure. Further advice is available on the World Health Organisation website.
On 1 August 2019 border restrictions were temporarily put in place for those travelling between Goma and Rwanda, these have since been lifted but the potential for further disruption remains. The latest updates can be found on the World Health Organisation website. Public Health England’s Returning Workers Scheme provides guidance for British nationals who will be returning to the UK from areas affected by the outbreak. See Health
Street crime and robbery, including by individuals posing as plain clothes police, is common. Recent months have seen an increase in such criminal activity in and around the city of Lubumbashi. You should avoid using any taxis in DRC. If you must take a taxi, use a privately booked one. Don’t hail taxis in the street. Beware of gangs promising you cut price gold and diamonds. International non-governmental organisations in Kinshasa and Goma have been targeted. Take extra care at night. See Crime
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Michigan: Two More Fairs Report Swine Influenza In Pigs
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Last Sunday, in Deja Flu: Pigs With Swine Influenza At Fowlerville Family Fair (Michigan), we saw – for the second year in a row – show pigs at the Livingston County Fair test positive for Swine Influenza.
While we’ve yet to hear of any human infections from this year’s fair, in 2018, at least two Fowlerville fair attendees were diagnosed with Swine Variant Influenza.
Since then, two more fairs in Michigan have reported sick pigs. The Eastern Michigan Fair and the Mid-Michigan Fair (see Pigs test positive for swine flu at Mid-Michigan fair).
Once again, no human illnesses have been reported, but surveillance and testing – particularly for mild cases – is limited.
So far in 2019, we’ve only seen one swine variant case (see CDC FluView Week 21: 1 Novel (H1N1v) Flu Infection – Michigan) – which was reported last May in an adult > 65 years of age (also) from Michigan, who, a bit unusually, reported no recent contact with live pigs.
While cases are likely seriously under-counted, over the past 15 years we’ve seen more than 460 confirmed human infections with these swine-origin flu viruses, with 2/3rds of those reported in 2012.
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| Swine Variant Human Cases : 2010-2018 – Credit CDC |
The CDC’s general risk assessment of these swine variant (H1N1v, H1N2v, H3N2v) viruses reads:
CDC Assessment
Sporadic infections and even localized outbreaks among people with variant influenza viruses may occur. All influenza viruses have the capacity to change and it’s possible that variant viruses may change such that they infect people easily and spread easily from person-to-person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor closely for variant influenza virus infections and will report cases of H3N2v and other variant influenza viruses weekly in FluView and on the case count tables on this website
Although most people who contract swine variant influenza will only experience mild to moderate illness, and these viruses haven’t (so far) developed the ability to spread in an efficient and sustained manner in the community, the CDC takes these outbreaks very seriously.
Severe illnesses have occurred, requiring hospitalization, and a couple of deaths have been reported. And of course, there is always the possibility that one of these viruses could someday evolve into being more easily transmissible in humans.
H3N2 Variant:[A/Indiana/08/11] is among the 16 novel viruses currently being tracked by the CDC’s IRAT (Influenza Risk Assessment Tool) Rankings, and while its severity would likely be low-to-moderate, it has the third highest `emergence score‘ (n=6.0) on their list.
Since the influenza subtypes that commonly circulate in swine (H1, H2 & H3) are also the same HA subtypes as have caused all of the human pandemics going back 130 years (see Are Influenza Pandemic Viruses Members Of An Exclusive Club?), when swine variant viruses jump to humans, it tend to get our attention.
Given that three Michigan fairs have already reported sick pigs over the past couple of weeks, its worth revisiting the CDC’s advice for anyone planning on exhibiting pigs, or attending a swine exhibition (below).
Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between Pigs and People
Pigs can be infected with their own influenza viruses (called swine influenza) that are usually different from human flu viruses. While rare, influenza can spread from pigs to people and from people to pigs. When people get swine flu viruses, it’s usually after contact with pigs. This has happened in different settings, including fairs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people take the following actions to help prevent the spread of flu between pigs and people.
CDC Recommendations for People with High Risk Factors:
- Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications planning to attend a setting where pigs will be present should avoid pigs and swine barns.
- People who are at high risk of serious flu complications include children younger than 5 years, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions (like asthma and other lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions).
CDC Recommendations for People Not at High Risk:
- Don’t take food or drink into pig areas; don’t eat, drink or put anything in your mouth in pig areas.
- Don’t take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into pig areas.
- Avoid close contact with pigs that look or act ill.
- Take protective measures if you must come in contact with pigs that are known or suspected to be sick. This includes minimizing contact with pigs and wearing personal protective equipment like protective clothing, gloves and masks that cover your mouth and nose when contact is required.
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water before and after exposure to pigs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- To further reduce the risk of infection, minimize contact with pigs in the pig barn and arenas.
- Watch your pig (if you have one) for illness. Call a veterinarian if you suspect illness.
- Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu symptoms. Wait to have contact with pigs until 7 days after your illness started or until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer. If you must have contact with pigs while you are sick, take the protective actions listed above.
People with high risk factors who develop flu symptoms should call a health care provider. Tell them about your high risk factor and any exposure to pigs or swine barns you’ve had recently. Human seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against commonly circulating swine influenza viruses, but prescription influenza antiviral drugs can treat infections with these viruses in people.
For more information, visit Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits.
The Library of Congress Digitizes Over 16,000 Pages of Letters & Speeches from the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and You Can Help Transcribe Them
woohoo!

“Democracy may not exist,” Astra Taylor declares in the title of her new book, “but we’ll miss it when it’s gone.” This inherent paradox, she argues, is not fatal, but a tension with which each era’s democratic movements must wrestle, in messy struggles against inevitable opposition. “Perfect democracy… may not in fact exist and never will, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make progress toward it, or that what there is of it can’t disappear.”
Taylor is upfront about “democracy’s dark history, from slavery and colonialism to facilitating the emergence of fascism.” But she is equally celebratory of its successes—moments when those who were denied rights marshaled every means at their disposal, from lobbying campaigns to confrontational direct action, to win the vote and better the lives of millions. For all its imperfections, the women’s suffrage movement of the 19th and early 20th century did just that.
It did so—even before electronic mass communication systems—by building international activist networks and forming national associations that took highly-visible action for decades until the 19th Amendment passed in 1920. We can learn how this all came about from the sources themselves, through the “letters, speeches, newspaper articles, personal diaries, and other materials from famed suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.”
So reports Mental Floss, describing the Library of Congress’ digital collection of suffragist papers, which includes dozens of famous and less famous activist voices. In one example of both international cooperation and international tension, Carrie Chapman Catt, Anthony’s successor (see a published excerpt of one of her speeches below), describes her experience at the Congress of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance in Rome. “A more unpromising place for a Congress I never saw,” she wrote, dismayed. Maybe despite herself she reveals that the differences might have been cultural: “The Italian women could not comprehend our disapproval.”

The fractious, often disappointing, relationships between the larger international women’s suffrage movement, the African American women’s suffrage movement, and mostly male Civil Rights leaders in the U.S. are represented by the diaries. letters, notebooks, and speeches of Mary Church Terrell, “a founder of the National Association of Colored Women. These documents shed light on minorities’ laborious suffrage struggles and her own dealings with Civil Rights figures like W.E.B. Du Bois.” (Terrell became an activist in 1892 and lived to fight against Jim Crow segregation in the early 1950s.)
The collection includes “some 16,000 historic papers related to the women’s rights movement alone.” All of them have been digitally scanned, and if you’re eager to dig into this formidable archive, you’re in luck. The Library of Congress is asking for help transcribing so that everyone can read these primary sources of democratic history. So far, reports Smithsonian, over 4200 documents have been transcribed, as part of a larger, crowdsourced project called By the People, which has previously transcribed papers from Abraham Lincoln, Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, and others.
Rather than focusing on an individual, this project is inclusive of what is arguably the main engine of democracy: large-scale social movements—paradoxically the most democratic means of claiming individual rights. Enter the impressive digital collection “Suffrage: Women Fight for the Vote” here, and, if you’re moved by civic duty or scholarly curiosity, sign up to transcribe.
via Mental Floss
Related Content:
Odd Vintage Postcards Document the Propaganda Against Women’s Rights 100 Years Ago
The Library of Congress Makes Thousands of Fabulous Photos, Posters & Images Free to Use & Reuse
Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Follow him at @jdmagness.
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Conservatives Are Hiding Their ‘Loathing’ Behind Our Flag
The molten core of right-wing nationalism is the furious denial of America’s unalterably multiracial, multicultural national character.



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